CN101008727B - Display device and sensing signal processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device, comprising: a plurality of first and second sensing data lines; a plurality of first and second sensors respectively connected to the first and second sensing data lines; a plurality of first signal converters for for comparing the first sensing data signal with the first reference voltage and outputting the first sensing output signal; a plurality of second signal converters for comparing the second sensing data signal with the first reference voltage, And output the second sensing output signal; the first position signal output unit is used to output the pre-positioned first position signal; the second position signal output unit is used to output the pre-positioned second position signal; the signal output unit is used to for sequentially outputting digital sensing signals; and a contact determiner for determining contact positions of the first and second sensors.

Description

Display device and sensing signal processing device

technical field

The invention relates to a display device and a sensing signal processing device. the

Background technique

As a representative display device, a liquid crystal display ("LCD") includes two panels respectively equipped with pixel electrodes and common electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer having dielectric anisotropy placed between the two panels. The pixel electrodes are arranged in a matrix shape, and each pixel electrode is connected to a switching element such as a thin film transistor ("TFT") to sequentially receive an image data voltage row by row. The common electrode is formed over the entire surface of the display panel to receive a common voltage. The pixel electrode, the common electrode and the liquid crystal layer between them constitute a liquid crystal capacitor. A liquid crystal capacitor and a switching element connected to it become the basic unit of a pixel. the

In a liquid crystal display, an electric field is generated in the liquid crystal layer by applying a voltage to two electrodes of a pixel. The transmittance of light passing through the liquid crystal layer is adjusted by adjusting the strength of the electric field. Multiple pixels working together can thus obtain the desired image. the

The touch screen panel is a device for writing or drawing characters or graphics by touching with a finger, pen, etc. on the screen. The touch screen panel may also allow a machine such as a computer to execute a desired command by executing a program when an icon is pressed. A liquid crystal display with a touch screen panel attached has two main functions: to determine whether a contact has occurred, and to determine the location information of the contact. However, adding a touch screen feature to a liquid crystal display is accompanied by increased problems such as increased cost of the display, reduced yield due to increased manufacturing process for bonding the touch screen panel to the liquid crystal panel, reduced light due to additional Layers lead to lower brightness of LCD panels, increased product thickness, and other related issues. the

Accordingly, a technology of providing a sensing element composed of a thin film transistor within a pixel itself displaying an image in a liquid crystal display instead of an additional touch screen panel has been developed. the

However, in existing sensing elements, it is quite difficult to accurately determine whether to operate the sensing element, and a signal processing device for processing a signal from the sensing element has a complicated structure, thus increasing the amount of signal processing time and manufacturing costs. the

Contents of the invention

The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a display device and a sensing signal processing apparatus which have the advantage of being able to simply and accurately determine whether to operate a sensing element. the

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, including: a first panel and a second panel; a plurality of first sensing data lines extending in a first direction on the second panel; A plurality of second sensing data lines extending in a second direction; a plurality of first sensors connected to the first sensing data lines; a plurality of second sensors connected to the second sensing data lines; a first signal converter for comparing a first sensing data signal from each first sensing data line with a first reference voltage and outputting a first sensing output signal; a plurality of second signal converters, used for comparing the second sensing data signal from each second sensing data line with the first reference voltage, and outputting the second sensing output signal; the first position signal output unit is used for according to a plurality of first The sensing output signal outputs a pre-positioned first position signal; the second position signal output unit is used to output a pre-positioned second position signal according to a plurality of second sensing output signals; the signal output unit is used to output a pre-positioned second position signal based on the first and the first and second position signals of the second position signal output unit sequentially output digital sensing signals; and a contact determiner for determining contact positions of the first and second sensors based on the digital sensing signals from the signal output unit, Wherein said first and second sensors are pressure sensors, wherein said first and second sensors each comprise a switch having a common electrode of the first panel as a first end and a common electrode of the first panel as a second end The first sensing data line or the second sensing data line, and wherein each of the first and second signal converters includes: a voltage divider for dividing the voltage of the sensing data signal, wherein the sensing data signal is one of the first sensing data signal and the second sensing data signal; a comparator for comparing the divided voltage from the voltage divider with the first reference voltage; and a D flip-flop for outputting a trigger from the comparator flip-flop output signal, where the voltage level of the flip-flop output signal depends on the clock signal. the

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a sensing signal processing apparatus, including: a sensing signal processing apparatus for a display device including a first panel and a second panel, including: a plurality of first signal A converter for comparing first sensing data signals from a plurality of first sensors with a first reference voltage and outputting a first sensing output signal; a plurality of second signal converters for converting signals from a plurality of The second sensing data signal of the second sensor is compared with the first reference voltage, and outputs a second sensing output signal; the first position signal output unit is configured to output a predetermined first position according to a plurality of first sensing output signals a position signal; a second position signal output unit for outputting a predetermined second position signal according to a plurality of second sensing output signals; and a signal output unit for based on signals from the first and second position signal output units The first and second position signals output digital sensing signals, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are pressure sensors, wherein each of the first and second sensors includes a switch having as a first A common electrode of the first panel at one end and a first sensing data line on the first panel as a second end or a second sensing data line on the second panel, and, wherein the first and second signals are converted The device includes: a voltage divider for dividing the voltage of the sensing data signal, wherein the sensing data signal is one of the first sensing data signal and the second sensing data signal; a comparator for converting the voltage from the voltage divider The divided voltage is compared with the first reference voltage; and a D flip-flop for outputting a flip-flop output signal from the comparator, wherein the voltage level of the flip-flop output signal depends on the clock signal. the

The display device may further include a diode forwardly connected between the sensing data line and the voltage divider, wherein the sensing data line is one of the first sensing data line and the second sensing data line. the

The voltage divider may comprise first and second resistors connected between the diode and ground, and the comparator may be an operational amplifier wherein its non-inverting terminal is connected to a common terminal of the first and second resistors , whose inverting terminal is connected to the first reference voltage. the

The display device may further include a diode reversely connected between the sensing data signal and the voltage divider, wherein the sensing data line is one of the first sensing data line and the second sensing data line. the

The voltage divider may include first and second resistors connected between the diode and the second reference voltage, and the comparator may be an operational amplifier, wherein its inverting terminal is connected to the first and second resistors The common terminal, the non-inverting terminal of which is connected to the third reference voltage. the

The first and second position signal output units may be encoders. the

When the first and second sensors respectively connected to the first and second signal converters are operated by closing the switch, the first and second signal converters may output a high voltage level signal. the

The first and second position signal output unit may convert the number output by the first and second signal converters to output the high voltage level signal into a binary number and output the binary number as the first and second position signals. the

The present invention includes an exemplary embodiment of a display device, wherein when there are a plurality of first signal converters and a plurality of second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals, the first and second position signals The output unit may convert a number output by the first and second signal converters located between the plurality of first and second signal converters into a binary number and output the binary number as the first and second position signals. the

The first and second position signal output units may convert the numbers output by the first and second signal converters at the (q/2)th or [(q/2)+1]th positions into binary numbers, and output the Binary numbers are used as the first and second position signals, where there are an even number of first and second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals, and (q) is the maximum of the plurality of first and second signal converters number. the

When the first and second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals exceed a predetermined number, the first and second position signal output units may reject the first and second signal converters from the first and second signal converters exceeding the predetermined number. and the second sense output signal. the

The contact determiner may read a digital sensing signal from the signal output unit when at least one of the first and second sensors is operated by closing the switch. the

The signal output unit may include an interrupt signal generator for outputting an interrupt signal to the contact determiner. the

When the interrupt signal is at a high voltage level, the contact determiner may read the digital sensing signal from the signal output unit. the

The interrupt signal generator may include: a first OR circuit, wherein its input terminal is connected to an output terminal of the first position signal output unit; a second OR circuit, whose input terminal is connected to an output terminal of the second position signal output unit; and An AND circuit connected to the outputs of the first and second OR circuits. the

Aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display of the present invention;

Description of drawings

Fig. 2 is the equivalent circuit schematic diagram of the exemplary embodiment of a pixel according to the liquid crystal display of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is the equivalent circuit schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor according to the liquid crystal display of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a pressure sensor according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display according to the present invention;

7A and 7B are circuit diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a signal processing device of a pressure sensor according to the present invention;

8A is an operation timing diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a signal processing device of a pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates the operation of a pressure sensor connected to a sensing data line;

8B is an operation timing diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a signal processing device of a pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates the operation of a pressure sensor connected to two different sensing data lines;

Fig. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the signal processing device of the pressure sensor according to the present invention;

10A is an operation timing diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a signal processing device of a pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates a situation where a common voltage swings between a high level and a low level at a predetermined timing; and

10B is an operation timing chart of another exemplary embodiment of the signal processing device of the pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates a case where the common voltage is fixed at a predetermined voltage. the

Detailed ways

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. the

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. the

It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be constrained by limitations of these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the present teachings. the

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "a" and "the" also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "comprising" or "comprising" used in this specification indicates the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more Other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. the

In addition, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" may be used herein to describe one element compared to another as shown in the figures. Relationship. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the "lower" side of other elements would then be oriented on "upper" sides of the other elements. Thus, the exemplary term "lower" can encompass both an orientation of "upper" and "lower," depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements would be oriented "above ( above)". Thus, the exemplary terms "below" or "under" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. the

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be understood as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the relevant technical background and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly rigid (formal) meaning , unless explicitly defined as such here. the

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, variations in the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or non-linear features. Also, acute angles shown may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. the

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. the

Now, a liquid crystal display as an exemplary embodiment of a display device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. the

1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic equivalent circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of one pixel of the liquid crystal display according to the present invention. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an equivalent circuit of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor of a liquid crystal display according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a pressure sensor according to the present invention A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display according to the present invention. the

1 to 3, a liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel assembly 300, an image scanning driver 400 connected to the liquid crystal panel assembly 300, an image data driver 500, a sensing signal processor 800, and an image data The grayscale voltage generator 550 connected with the driver 500, the contact determiner 700 connected with the sensing signal processor 800, and the signal controller 600 controlling them. the

1 to 4, the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 includes a plurality of display signal lines G ₁ -G _n and D ₁ -D _m , a plurality of pixels PX connected thereto and arranged in an approximate matrix shape, a plurality of sensing signal lines SY ₁ - SY _N and SX ₁ -SX _M and a plurality of sensors SU connected thereto and arranged in an approximate matrix shape. 2 and 5, the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 includes a thin film transistor array panel 100, an opposite common electrode panel 200, a liquid crystal layer 3 interposed therebetween, and a spacer (spacer) (not shown), the The spacer maintains a gap between the two panels 100 and 200 and can be deformed to some extent by compression.

The display signal lines G ₁ -G _n and D ₁ -D _m include a plurality of image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n for transmitting image scanning signals and image data lines D ₁ -D _m for transmitting image data signals. The sensing signal lines SY ₁ -SY _N and SX ₁ -SX _M include a plurality of vertical sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and a plurality of horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N for transmitting sensing data signals.

The image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n and the horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N substantially extend in the row direction and are substantially parallel to each other, while the image data lines D ₁ -D _m and the vertical sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M extending substantially in the column direction and substantially parallel to each other.

Each pixel PX includes a switching element Tr connected to one of the plurality of image scanning lines _G1 - _Gn and one of the plurality of image data lines _D1 - _Dm , and a storage capacitor _Cst and a liquid crystal capacitor _Clc . Alternative exemplary embodiments include configurations in which the storage capacitor C _st may be omitted.

The switching element Tr is a three-terminal element, an exemplary embodiment of which is a thin film transistor provided on the thin film transistor array panel 100, and its control end is connected to the image scanning lines _G1 - _Gn , and its input end is connected to the image data line D ₁ -D _m , the output terminals of which are connected to the liquid crystal capacitor _Clc and the storage capacitor C _st . Exemplary embodiments of thin film transistors include amorphous silicon or polysilicon.

The liquid crystal capacitor _Clc includes the pixel electrode 191 of the thin film transistor array panel 100 and the common electrode 270 of the common electrode panel 200 as both ends, and the liquid crystal layer 3 between the two electrodes 191 and 270 serves as a dielectric material. The pixel electrode 191 is connected to the switching element Tr, and the common electrode 270 is formed on the entire surface of the common electrode panel 200 and receives a common voltage Vcom. Alternative exemplary embodiments include configurations in which the common electrode 270 may be provided in the thin film transistor array panel 100 . In such an alternative exemplary embodiment, at least one of the two electrodes 191 and 270 may be formed in a line shape or a strip shape.

The storage capacitor _Cst , which may supplement the liquid crystal capacitor _Clc , is formed at the overlap of a separated signal line (not shown) and the pixel electrode 191 provided in the thin film transistor array panel 100. An insulator is located between the separated signal line and the pixel electrode 191, and a predetermined voltage such as a common voltage Vcom is applied to the separated signal line. Alternative exemplary embodiments include a configuration in which the storage capacitor C _st may be formed via an insulator directly on the pixel electrode 191 at the overlap of the pixel electrode 191 and the image scanning line.

To render a color display, by allowing each pixel PX to inherently display one of the primary colors and each primary color is positioned next to each other, it is possible to display color (a method of color display called spatial division) or an alternative method of displaying color is to display each primary color sequentially (a color display method called time division). The spatial and temporal summation of the primary colors is used to achieve the desired color. Exemplary examples of sets of primary colors include red, green, and blue. FIG. 2 shows an example of space division in which each pixel PX is provided with a color filter 230 for displaying one primary color in a region of the common electrode panel 200 corresponding to the pixel electrode 191 . An alternative exemplary embodiment includes a configuration in which the color filter 230 may be formed on or under the pixel electrode 191 of the thin film transistor array panel 100 . the

At least one polarizer (not shown) for polarizing light is attached to the outer surface of the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 , either above the common electrode panel 200 or below the TFT array panel 100 . the

The sensor SU may have the structures shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . The sensor SU shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a pressure sensor including a switch SWT connected to horizontal and vertical sensing data lines (hereinafter, referred to as "sensing data lines") denoted by reference numeral SL. the

The switch SWT has the common electrode 270 of the common electrode panel 200 as one end and the sensing data line SL of the thin film transistor array panel 100 as a second end, and at least one of the two ends protrudes from one panel toward the other so that it can be used by a user. Connect the two ends to each other physically and electrically. Accordingly, the common voltage Vcom from the common electrode 270 is output to the sensing data line SL as a sensing data signal. the

A cross-sectional structure of an exemplary embodiment of the pressure sensor SU will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 . the

As shown in FIG. 5 , in the TFT array panel 100 , a plurality of lower protrusions 176 are formed on the insulating substrate 110 . Exemplary embodiments of the insulating substrate 110 may be made of transparent glass, plastic, or other similar substances. Also, image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n , image data lines D ₁ -D _m and switching elements Tr and other pixel elements are formed on the insulating substrate 110, and can be connected with image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n or image data lines D ₁ -D _m form the lower protrusion 176 almost simultaneously.

Sense data lines 196 are exposed on bumps 176, and they may be made of a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide ("ITO") or indium zinc oxide ("IZO"). the

In the upper panel 200 opposite to the lower panel 100, a light blocking member 220 is formed on an insulating substrate 210, an exemplary embodiment of which may be made of transparent glass, plastic, or other similar substances. The light blocking member 220 may also be called a black matrix, and prevents light leakage between pixels. the

A plurality of upper protrusions 240 may be made of organic material or other similar substances, formed on the light blocking member 220 . Each upper protrusion 240 is positioned to correspond to where the lower protrusion 176 is formed. The upper protrusion 240 may be formed into a desired shape and height by coating and patterning an organic layer, or by any other suitable known process. the

Next, a plurality of color filters 230 are formed on the insulating substrate 210 and the light blocking member 220 and positioned to correspond to the opening area surrounded by the light blocking member 220 . In one exemplary embodiment, the color filter 230 extends in a vertical direction along the pixels to form a stripe shape. Each color filter 230 may display one of three primary colors such as red, green and blue. the

The common electrode 270 is formed on the color filter 230 , the light blocking member 220 , the exposure substrate 210 and the upper protrusion 240 . An exemplary embodiment of the common electrode 270 is made of a transparent conductor such as ITO or IZO, and may be formed into a desired shape by molding the electrode after coating the conductor on the electrode. A common voltage (Vcom) is applied to the common electrode 270 . the

At this time, a coating layer (not shown), an exemplary embodiment of which is made of an organic insulator, is formed under the common electrode 270 to protect the color filter 230 and prevent the color filter 230 from being exposed to the liquid crystal layer 3 . the

An exemplary embodiment thereof is that a plurality of column spacers made of organic material may be formed on the common electrode 270 . In one exemplary embodiment, columnar spacers may be uniformly distributed in the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 and form a gap between the lower panel 100 and the upper panel 200 by supporting the two panels. the

In one exemplary embodiment, similar to the exemplary embodiment of the upper protrusion 240 , the columnar spacer may be formed into a desired shape and height by coating and molding an organic layer. the

The lower protrusion 176 is arranged such that the sensing data line 196 placed on the lower protrusion 176 can easily contact the common electrode 270 placed on the upper protrusion 240 . Pressure, which may be applied by a finger, stylus, etc., causes the gap between the upper and lower protrusions 240 and 176 to narrow. The common electrode 270 may thus be in contact with the sensing data line 196 . the

An alignment layer (not shown) for aligning the liquid crystal layer (not shown) is coated on the inner surfaces of the display panels 100 and 200, and at least one polarizer (not shown). the

The liquid crystal display may further include a sealant for coupling the TFT array panel 100 and the common electrode panel 200 together. The sealant may be located at the edge of the upper panel 200 . the

As described above, since the liquid crystal layer 3 is interposed between the TFT array panel 100 and the common electrode panel 200, and the two display panels 100 and 200 are supported by a plurality of columnar spacers, the sensing data lines 196 and the upper bumps are placed The common electrode 270 on 240 maintains a fixed gap. The gap may be approximately 0.1 microns to 1.0 microns in an exemplary embodiment. the

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the two display panels 100 and 200 may be supported by bead spacers (not shown) instead of the column spacers 320. the

The sensing data line 196 and the common electrode 270 surrounding the upper protrusion 240 constitute the switch SWT shown in the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG. 4 . the

The sensor SU shown in FIG. 3 only schematically represents a plurality of lower protrusions 176 formed in the TFT array panel 100 . In the upper panel 200 , a plurality of upper protrusions 240 are formed at positions corresponding to the lower protrusions 176 . the

The Y coordinate of the contact point can be determined by analyzing the sensing data signals flowing through the horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N , and the contact point can be determined by analyzing the sensing data signals flowing through the vertical sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M. The X coordinate of the point.

In the current exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensor SU is placed between two adjacent pixels PX. The density of a pair of sensors SU (each sensor connected to the horizontal and vertical sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N and SX ₁ -SX _M and said sensors are placed adjacently in their intersection area) can be, for example, point About 1/4 of the density, where one dot includes, for example, three three pixels PX arranged in parallel to each other and displaying three primary colors of red, green and blue. In this exemplary embodiment, unit pixels of one dot can work in combination to display a plurality of colors. Thus, a dot can also be defined as the minimum resolution unit of a liquid crystal display. However, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, one dot may be composed of at least four unit pixels PX, and in such an exemplary embodiment, each pixel PX may display one of three primary colors and one type of white.

An example in which the density of a pair of sensors SU is 1/4 of the dot density includes an exemplary embodiment in which the horizontal and vertical resolutions of a pair of sensors SU are respectively 1/2 of the horizontal and vertical resolutions of the liquid crystal display. In such an exemplary embodiment, there may be pixel rows and pixel columns without the sensor SU. the

If the density and dot density of the sensors SU are set to such an extent, there is an advantage that the liquid crystal display can be applied to applications requiring high precision such as character recognition. The resolution of the sensor SU can be higher or lower as required. the

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3 , the gray voltage generator 550 generates two gray voltage sets (or alternatively, a reference gray voltage set) that control the transmittance of the pixel PX. One of the two groups has a positive value of the common voltage Vcom, and the other has a negative value. the

The image scanning driver 400 is connected to the image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n of the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 so as to apply the gate-on voltage Von used to turn on the switching element Tr and the voltage Von used to turn off the switching element Tr. An image scanning signal composed of a combination of gate-off voltages Voff is applied to the image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n .

The image data driver 500 is connected to the image data lines D1 _{- Dm} of the liquid crystal panel assembly 300, and selects a grayscale voltage from the grayscale voltage generator 550 and applies the voltage to the image data lines _D1 -D as an image scanning signal. _m . However, when the grayscale voltage generator 550 does not supply voltages for all grayscales but only a predetermined number of reference grayscale voltages, the image data driver 500 divides the reference grayscale voltages, generates grayscale voltages for all different grayscales, and An image data signal is selected from among them.

The sensing signal processor 800 shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N and SX ₁ -SX _M of the liquid crystal panel assembly 300, so as to receive the sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N and SX ₁ - Sense data signal output by SX _M , and perform signal processing and generation of digital sense signal DSN.

The contact determiner 700 may include a central processing unit ("CPU"), and it receives the digital sensing signal DSN from the sensing signal processor 800 in order to determine the contact position of the pressure sensor SU in which the switch SWT has been closed (complete). . the

In this exemplary embodiment, the signal controller 600 controls operations of the image scanning driver 400 , the image data driver 500 , the gray voltage generator 550 and the sensing signal processor 800 . the

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the driving devices 400, 500, 550, 600, 700, and 800 can be directly mounted on the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 in the form of at least one IC chip to tape load package (“TCP ”) form is mounted on a flexible printed circuit film (not shown) to be attached to the liquid crystal panel assembly 300, or on a separate printed circuit board (“PCB”) (not shown). In alternative exemplary embodiments, drive devices 400, 500, 550, 600, 700, and 800, signal lines G ₁ -G _n , D ₁ -D _m , SY ₁ -SY _N , and SX ₁ -SX _M , and The thin film transistor Tr may be integrated in the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 .

Referring to FIG. 6, the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 is divided into a display area P1, an edge area P2, and an exposure area P3. Most of the pixels PX, sensors SU, and signal lines G ₁ -G _n , D ₁ -D _m , SY ₁ -SY _N , and SX ₁ -SX _M are placed in the display area P1. The common electrode panel 200 includes a light blocking member 220 covering most of the edge region P2 to block light from the outside. In the current exemplary embodiment, the common electrode panel 200 is smaller than the thin film transistor array panel 100, thus exposing a portion of the thin film transistor array panel 100 to form the exposure area P3. A single chip 610 is mounted in the exposure area P3, and a flexible printed circuit board ("FPC" board) 620 is attached to the exposure area P3.

In the current exemplary embodiment, a single chip 610 includes driving devices for driving a liquid crystal display, for example, an image scanning driver 400, an image data driver 500, a grayscale voltage generator 550, a signal controller 600, a contact determiner 700 and a sensing signal processor 800 . By integrating the driving devices 400, 500, 550, 600, 700, and 800 in a single chip 610, a mounting area can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, at least one driving device or at least one circuit element constituting the driving device may be placed outside the single chip 610 . the

The image signal lines G ₁ -G _n and D ₁ -D _m and the sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N and SX ₁ -SX _M extend to the exposure region P3 to be connected to the corresponding driving devices 400 , 500 and 800 .

The FPC board 620 receives a signal from an external device (not shown) so as to transmit it to the single chip 610 or the liquid crystal panel assembly 300, and its end (end tip) includes a connector (not shown) so as to be easily connected to the outside equipment. the

Now, the display operation and sensing operation of the liquid crystal display will be described in detail. the

As shown in FIG. 1 , the signal controller 600 receives input image signals R, G, and B and an input control signal for controlling display of the signals from an external device (not shown). The input image signals R, G, and B include luminance information of each pixel PX, and the luminance has a predetermined number of gradations, such as 1024 (=2 ¹⁰ ), 256 (=2 ⁸ ), or 64 (=2 ⁶ ). The input control signals include, for example, a vertical synchronization signal Vsync, a horizontal synchronization signal Hsync, a main clock signal MCLK, and a data enable signal DE.

Based on the input image signals R, G, and B and the input control signal, the signal controller 600 appropriately processes the input image signals R, G, and B corresponding to the operating conditions of the liquid crystal display panel assembly 300 and the image data driver 500 to generate an image scan control The signal CONT1, the image data control signal CONT2, and the sensing data control signal CONT3, and then, the image scanning control signal CONT1 is sent to the image scanning driver 400, and the image data control signal CONT2 and the processed image signal DAT are sent to the image data driver 500, and send the sensing data control signal CONT3 to the sensing signal processor 800. the

The image scan control signal CONT1 includes a scan start signal STV for indicating scan start and at least one clock signal for controlling the output of the gate-on voltage Von. In an exemplary embodiment, the image scanning control signal CONT1 may further include an output enable signal OE for limiting a sustain time of the gate-on voltage Von. the

The image data control signal CONT2 includes a horizontal synchronization start signal STH for notifying the start of one pixel row of the image data DAT, a data clock signal HCLK, and loads for applying the image data signal to the image data lines _D1 - _Dm. Signal LOAD. An exemplary embodiment of the image data control signal CONT2 may further include a function for inverting the voltage polarity of the image data signal to the common voltage Vcom (hereinafter, "the voltage polarity of the image data signal to the common voltage" is referred to as "the image data signal"). Polarity of the signal") the inversion signal RVS.

The image data driver 500 receives the digital image signal DAT of a row of pixels PX according to the image data control signal CONT2 from the signal controller 600, and converts the digital image signal DAT into analog image data by selecting the grayscale voltage corresponding to each digital image signal DAT signal, and then apply the converted signal to the corresponding image data lines D ₁ -D _m .

The image scanning driver 400 applies the gate-on voltage Von to the image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n according to the image scanning control signal CONT1 from the signal controller 600, so as to turn on the switching elements Tr connected to the image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n . Then, the image data signals applied to the image data lines _D1 - _Dm are applied to the corresponding pixels PX through the turned-on switching elements Tr.

The difference between the voltage of the image data signal applied to the pixel PX and the common voltage Vcom is expressed as a charging voltage, ie, the pixel voltage of the liquid crystal capacitor _Clc . The liquid crystal molecules change their alignment according to the magnitude of the pixel voltage, so that the polarization of light passing through the liquid crystal layer 3 changes according to the voltage difference between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. The difference is stored in the liquid crystal capacitor _Clc . The change in polarization results in a change in the amount of light transmitted by the polarizer attached to the display panel assembly 300, so that a single pixel can display many varying amounts of light, called gray scales. Multiple pixels working together can display the desired image of many different pixels with varying transmittance.

By repeating the process at a frequency of one horizontal period (referred to as "1H", which is the same as one period of the horizontal synchronization signal Hsync and the data enable signal DE), the gate-on voltage Von is sequentially applied to all the image scanning lines G ₁ -G _n , so that an image data signal is applied to all the pixels PX, thereby displaying an image of one frame.

The inversion signal RVS applied to the image data driver 500 is controlled so that the next frame starts when one frame ends, and the polarity of the image data signal applied to each pixel PX is opposite to that of the previous frame (this Sometimes called frame inversion). Depending on the characteristics of the inversion signal RVS, even within one frame, the polarity of the image data signal flowing through one image data line may change (for example, row inversion and dot inversion), or be applied to one pixel row The polarities of the image data signals may be different from each other (for example, column inversion, dot inversion). the

The sensing signal processor 800 generates digital sensing signals corresponding to the X-axis and Y-axis contact positions of the pressure sensor SU by converting the sensing data signals flowing through the sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N and SX ₁ -SX _M DSN, the pressure sensor SU is connected to the sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N and SX ₁ -SX _M . The sensing signal processor 800 then transmits the signal to the contact determiner 700 . The sensing signal processor 800 will be described in detail below.

The contact determiner 700 receives the digital sensing signal DSN, and determines the contact position of the pressure sensor SU by using the signal. Contact determiner 700 may then control operations corresponding to the user-selected command, menu, or other task. the

Next, referring to FIGS. 7A to 8B , a sensing signal processor 800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. the

7A and 7B are circuit diagrams of an exemplary embodiment of a signal processing device of a pressure sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 8A is an operation timing chart of an exemplary embodiment of a signal processing device of a pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates an operation of a pressure sensor connected to one sensing data line. FIG. 8B is an operation timing diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the signal processing device of the pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates the operation of the pressure sensor connected with two different sensing data lines. the

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exemplary embodiment of a sensing signal processor 800 according to the present invention includes a vertical sensing data signal reading unit 810, a horizontal sensing data signal reading unit 820, and a vertical and horizontal sensing The signal output unit 830 connected to the measurement data signal reading units 810 and 820. The signal output unit 830 outputs a digital sensing signal DSN of a predetermined number of digits. the

The vertical sensing data signal reading unit 810 includes: M number of signal converters 811, each of which is connected to the M number of vertical sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M ; and an encoder 812, whose input terminal is connected to M number of signal converters 811 .

The horizontal sensing data signal reading unit 820 includes: N number of signal converters 821, each of which is connected to the N number of horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N ; and an encoder 822, whose input is connected to The N number of signal converters 821 .

The signal converters 811 and 821 are formed in substantially the same structure, and perform substantially the same operation. The structure of the signal converter 811 connected to the vertical sensing data line SX1 will now be described. the

Each signal converter 811 includes: a diode D1 forwardly connected to the vertical sensing data line SX1; resistors R1 and R2 connected in series between the diode D1 and ground for voltage division; a comparator COM1 having a The non-inverting terminal (+) connected to the common terminal of the resistors R1 and R2, the inverting terminal (-) connected to the reference voltage Vref1, the positive split Vdd to the ground GND and the opposite split split (split) power supply voltage; and a D flip-flop DFF having an input terminal D connected to the output terminal of the comparator COM1 , a clock terminal connected to the clock signal TCLK, and an output terminal connected to the encoder 812 . In one exemplary embodiment, the comparator may include an operational amplifier. the

An exemplary embodiment of the signal output unit 830 may be a serial peripheral interface (“SPI”) circuit or an inter-integrated circuit (“I ² C”), and includes an interrupt signal generator 840 as shown in FIG. 7B .

Interrupt signal generator 840 comprises: OR gate circuit OR1, each input end of which is connected to the output end VX1-VX8 of encoder 812; Or gate circuit OR2, each input end of which is connected to the output end VY1-VY8 of encoder 822 ; an AND gate circuit AND, whose input terminals are connected to the output terminals of the OR gate circuits OR1 and OR2; and a D flip-flop DFF3, whose input terminal D is connected to the output terminal of the AND gate circuit AND, and has a clock connected to the clock signal TCLK Terminal CLK. the

The sensing signal processor 800 operates as follows. the

In an exemplary embodiment, if the common voltage Vcom has a high level (eg +5V) and a low level (eg -1.0V), it swings between the high level and the low level approximately every 1H, so the liquid crystal The display is of the row inversion type. the

The operations of the signal converters 811 and 821 connected to each of the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N are basically the same, so only the signal conversion connected to the first vertical sensing data line SX1 will be described. The operation of the device 811.

If the switch of the pressure sensor SU connected to the vertical sensing data line SX1 is closed due to external pressure, the sensing data signal S1 is output from the switch SWT to the resistors R1 and R2 as shown in FIG. 8A . The sensing data signal is substantially the same as the sensing data signal in the common voltage Vcom. the

The resistors R1 and R2 lower the voltage level of the input sensing data signal by dividing the voltage into a predetermined voltage magnitude, and then apply the signal to the non-inverting terminal (+) of the comparator COM1. The magnitude of the reference voltage Vref1 applied to the inverting terminal (−) of the comparator COM1 is set to be lower than the high level Vdd of the split power supply voltage. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8A, the comparator COM1 outputs a high-level voltage (about 3.3 V) in a period in which the magnitude of the voltage applied to the non-inverting terminal (+) is larger than the magnitude of the reference voltage Vref1, and when When the magnitude of the voltage applied to the non-inverting terminal (+) is smaller than the magnitude of the reference voltage Vref1, a low-level voltage (about 0V) is output. The comparator COM1 thus applies said voltage to the input D of the D flip-flop DFF. That is, the comparator COM1 outputs a high-level voltage only in a period in which the output signal S1 of the switch SWT maintains a high level during the contact period. the

When the clock signal TCLK applied to the clock terminal CLK is at a rising edge, the D flip-flop DFF outputs a signal of a corresponding level through the output terminal Q based on the level of the signal applied to the input terminal D. That is, if a high-level signal is applied to the input terminal D when the clock signal TCLK is at a high voltage or in an "on" state, a high-level signal is output until the clock signal TCLK reaches the next "on" state , and if a low-level signal is applied to the input terminal D when the clock signal TCLK is in the "on" state, a low-level signal is output until the clock signal reaches the next "on" state, thereby being the same as shown in FIG. 8A The same signal of is output to encoder 812. the

In this way, through the operation of the signal converters 811 and 821, according to whether the signal converters 811 and 821 have open or closed (close) switch SWT to determine the connection with each sensing data line SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY The output states of _{the N-} connected signal converters 811 and 821.

The encoders 812 and 822 convert pre-positioned (e.g., 8-bit) digital signals into X-axis position signals and Y-axis position signals based on M number of signals and N number of signals applied to each input terminal within a predetermined time period. , and apply the signal to the signal output unit 830 . the

For example, if a high level signal is applied from the signal converter 811 connected to the first vertical sensing data line _SX1 (such as when at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors SU is connected to the first vertical sensing data line _SX1 ) , the encoder 812 outputs “00000001” in parallel through the output terminals VX1-VX8 as the X-axis position signal. If a high-level signal is applied from the signal converter 811 connected to the second vertical sensing data line _SX2 (such as when at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors SU is connected to the second vertical sensing data line _SX2 ), the encoding The converter 812 outputs "00000010" as the X-axis position signal through the output terminals VX1-VX8, and the same is true for the other signal converters 811.

Similarly, in the encoder 822 of the horizontal sensing data signal reading unit 820, if a high level signal is applied from the signal converter 821 connected to the first horizontal sensing data line _SY1 , the encoder 822 passes the output terminal VY1-VY8 output "00000001" in parallel as the Y-axis position signal. If a high level signal is applied from the signal converter 821 connected to the second horizontal sensing data line _SY2 , the encoder 822 outputs "00000010" as a Y-axis position signal through the output terminals VY1-VY8.

Thus, if the operation of the pressure sensor SU connected to each of the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N is performed from the signal connected to the corresponding sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N The converters 811 and 821 output high-level signals, and the encoders 812 and 822 output the numbers (number) of the corresponding signal converters 811 and 821 to which the high-level signals are applied through the corresponding output terminals VX1-VX8 and VY1-VY8 The corresponding 8-bit signals are used as the X-axis position signal and the Y-axis position signal.

However, if the pressure sensors SU connected to the plurality of vertical sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M or the plurality of horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N are simultaneously in contact with each other, the pressure sensors SU connected to the plurality of corresponding vertical sensing data lines SX The signal converters 811 and 821 connected to ₁ -SX _M or a plurality of corresponding horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N output high-level signals to corresponding encoders 812 and 822 at the same time. This can occur when the object applying pressure to switch SWT is larger than the resolution of sensor SU; for example, the sensor is sensitive enough to register the application of the tip of a stylus, rather than pressing with a larger object such as a fingertip.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the pressure sensor SU connected to the rth and (r+1)th vertical sensing data lines SX _r and SX _r+1 is operated, each of the sensing data lines SX _r and SX r+1 The signal converter 811 connected to SX _r+1 simultaneously outputs a high-level signal during the time period "T". That is, high-level signals are simultaneously output from the two signal converters 811 during the fixed period T.

In this way, when high-level signals are simultaneously applied from at least two signal converters 811 or at least two signal converters 821 to corresponding encoders 812 and 822, each encoder 812 and 822 determines that the high-level signals are converted from the signal Applied by one of the devices 811 and 821, and output the corresponding X-axis position signal and Y-axis position signal. the

For this reason, if a high level signal is applied from an odd number (q, where q is 1, 3, 5...) of the signal converters 811 or an odd number of signal converters 821, the encoders 812 and 822 determine a high level Signals are applied from signal converters 811 and 821 of middle order numbers, and 8-bit signals corresponding to the numbers of the corresponding signal converters 811 and 821 are output to corresponding output terminals VX1-VX8 and VY1-VY8. the

For example, if a high-level signal is simultaneously applied from the signal converter 811 connected to the third to fifth X-axis sensing data lines SX ₃ -SX ₅ , it is determined that the high-level signal is from the fourth X-axis sensing data line. Line SX ₄ is applied by the signal converter 811 connected, and the encoder 812 outputs "00000100" as the X-axis position signal. As another example, if a high-level signal is simultaneously applied from the signal converter 811 connected to each of the five sensing data lines SX ₄ -SX ₈ of the fourth to eighth X-axis sensing data lines, it is determined that the high The level signal is applied from the signal converter 811 connected to the sixth X-axis sensing data line SX ₆ (the middle sensing data line), and the encoder 812 outputs "00000110" as the X-axis position signal at the corresponding time.

Alternatively, if a high-level signal is applied from an even number (q, where q is 2, 4, 6...) of signal converters 811 or even number of signal converters 821, it is determined that the high-level signal is from the group of signals The signal converters 811 and 821 in the middle of the converter are applied by one of the [(total number of groups)/2] and [(total number of groups)/2+1]} of the group, and through the corresponding output terminal VX1- VX8 and VY1-VY8 output 8-bit signals corresponding to the corresponding numbers. the

For example, if a high-level signal is simultaneously applied from the signal converter 811 connected to the second to fifth X-axis sensing data lines SX ₂ -SX ₅ , it is determined that the high-level signal is from the third or fourth X-axis The signal converter 811 to which the sensing data line SX ₃ or SX ₄ (which is the second or third of a set of a total of four sensing data lines) is connected is applied.

Therefore, the encoder 812 outputs "00000011" or "00000100" at the corresponding time. the

In addition, when the contact signal of the pressure sensor SU is applied simultaneously through a given number of vertical sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M or horizontal sensing data lines SY ₁ -SY _N of the signal converters 811 and 821, the encoders 812 and 822 The X-axis sensing signal and the Y-axis sensing signal are output by considering only the outputs of the signal converters 811 and 821 connected to the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N corresponding to a given number.

For example, if a given group number is four and high level signals are simultaneously applied from the signal converters 811 connected to the second to eighth vertical sensing data lines SX ₂ -SX ₈ , the encoder 812 only considers High voltage level signal applied from second to fifth sense data lines _SX2 - _SX5 (encoder starts with first vertical sense line and considers first four numbers). Therefore, it is determined that the high voltage level signal is applied from the signal converter 811 connected to the third or fourth X-axis sensing data line SX ₃ or SX ₄ , and the encoder 812 outputs "00000011" or "00000100 ". As the X-axis position signal. Alternatively, the encoders 812 and 822 can count the number of groups in descending order.

Table 1 below shows an example of the operation of the encoders 812 and 822 . the

Table 1 shows the output signals VX1-VX8 of the encoder 812 based on the output signals of eight signal converters connected to the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M (where M is also equal to 8). In Table 1, "0" indicates that the signal is in a low-level state, "1" indicates that the signal is in a high-level state, and "X" indicates that the signal may be in a low-level or high-level state. The most significant bit ("MSB") of the signal from encoder 812 is assumed to be the signal output from output _VX1 , and the least significant bit LSB of the signal is assumed to be the signal output from output _VX8 . In Table 1, the signals shown in bold show that the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX ₈ are connected to signal converters for outputting signals, and the corresponding sensing data lines SX are output as X-axis position signals through encoder 812 ₁ - Number of SX ₈ .

(Table 1)

SX ₈ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 SX ₇ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 SX ₆ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 x 1 SX ₅ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 x 1 0 1 _SX4 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 x 1 0 x 0 1 SX ₃ 0 0 0 1 1 1 x 1 0 x 0 0 0 0 _SX2 0 0 1 1 x 1 0 x 0 0 0 0 0 0 _SX1 0 1 x 1 0 x 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VX1(MSB) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VX2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VX3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VX4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

VX5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 VX6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 VX7 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 VX8(LSB) 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0

The X-axis position signal and the Y-axis position signal of the pressure sensor SU coming into contact with the encoders 812 and 822 are output to the signal output unit 830 . The signal output unit 830 sequentially outputs the X-axis position signal and the Y-axis position signal to the contact determiner 700 as a digital sensing signal DSN. The contact determiner 700 controls the timing at which the signal output unit 830 outputs the digital sensing signal DSN. the

The contact determiner 700 reads the digital sensing signal DSN from the signal output unit 830 after the interrupt signal TE_INT output from the interrupt signal generator 840 shown in FIG. 7B becomes a high level. the

That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, if at least one input signal of the encoders 821 and 822 is at a high level, the interrupt signal generator 840 outputs a high-level interrupt signal TE_INT. That is, if even one pressure sensor SU operates, the interrupt signal generator 840 outputs the interrupt signal TE_INT in a high state. As such, if the interrupt signal TE_INT becomes a high level, the contact determiner 700 outputs a read signal or the like to the signal output unit 830 . Accordingly, the signal output unit 830 outputs the digital sensing signal DSN to the contact determiner 700 . the

Whether to operate the pressure is determined by using a digital signal as described in the above exemplary embodiment, the state of which changes according to whether contact of the pressure sensor SU occurs, rather than by sensing a current as an analog signal flowing through the pressure sensor SU. The sensor SU, reduces or effectively eliminates erroneous operation and unnecessary power consumption due to leakage current. the

Also, since the X-axis and Y-axis position signals of the pressure sensor SU are generated by processing digitized signals, the corresponding circuit structure becomes simpler than when analog signal currents are processed. Accordingly, when the sensing signal processor 800 is mounted in a single chip 610 , the mounting area is reduced and the structure of the single chip 610 is simplified. the

Also, since the position of the applied pressure is determined as the pressure sensor SU at the middle of the plurality of pressure sensors SU when the pressure sensors SU at corresponding multiple points in the same direction are simultaneously operated, quick and easy signal processing is possible, and Therefore, the structure of the sensing signal processor also becomes simple. the

Now, referring to FIGS. 9 to 10B , a sensing signal processor according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. the

Fig. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the signal processing device of the pressure sensor SU according to the present invention. FIG. 10A is an operation timing chart of another exemplary embodiment of a signal processing device of a pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates a case where a common voltage swings between a high level and a low level at a predetermined timing. 10B is an operation timing chart of another exemplary embodiment of the signal processing device of the pressure sensor according to the present invention, and illustrates a case where the common voltage is fixed at a predetermined voltage. the

As shown in FIG. 9, the sensing signal processor according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the sensing signal processor shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The differences include: the directional relationship of the diode D2 of each signal converter 811' and 821' in the data signal reading units 810' and 820', the voltage Vref2 applied to the resistors R1 and R2, and the voltage applied to the comparator COM1 Vref3, the sensing signal processor 800' has a structure similar to that of the sensing signal processor 800 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 7A and 7B denote units that perform the same operations in the same structure, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. The diodes D1 of the signal converters 811 and 821 in the sensing signal processor 800 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are forwardly connected, and the resistors R1 and R2 are connected between the diode D1 and ground, but according to the The diodes D2 of the signal converters 811' and 821' in the sensing signal processor 800' of the present exemplary embodiment are reversely connected, and the resistors R1 and R2 are connected to the reference voltage Vref2. Also, the inverting terminal (-) is connected to the common terminal of the resistors R1 and R2, and the non-inverting terminal (+) is connected to the reference voltage Vref3. the

In an exemplary embodiment, the common voltage Vcom has a high level and a low level, and when the common voltage Vcom swings between the high level and the low level within a predetermined amount of time, the reference voltage Vref2 has a higher level than the common voltage Vcom. level value. In another exemplary embodiment, when the common voltage Vcom is a DC voltage having a fixed voltage, the reference voltage Vref2 has a value greater than the common voltage Vcom. the

Next, the operation of a sensing signal processor according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. the

First, referring to FIG. 10A , an exemplary embodiment will be described in which the common voltage Vcom has a high level and a low level and the applied common voltage Vcom swings between the high level and the low level every 1H. A high level value of the common voltage Vcom may be about 5V, and a low level value thereof may be about -1.0V, and the liquid crystal display has row inversion. the

The operation of the sensing signal processor according to the present exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as that of the sensing signal processor 800 described above with reference to FIG. 7A . the

Since the operations of the signal converters 811' and 821' connected to each of the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N are basically the same, only the signal converters connected to the vertical sensing data line SX1 will be described. 811' operation.

When the switch SWT (as part of the pressure sensor SU which is in turn connected to the vertical sense data line _SX1 ) is closed due to external pressure, the sense data signal S1 (at voltage Similar to the common voltage Vcom) is output from the switch SWT to the resistors R1 and R2 through the vertical sensing data line _SX1 , as shown in FIG. 10A. Any period in which no external pressure is applied is called a floating period.

The resistors R1 and R2 lower the voltage level of the input sensing data signal by dividing the voltage into a predetermined voltage magnitude, which is then applied to the inverting terminal (−) of the comparator COM1. The reference voltage Vref3 applied to the non-inverting terminal (+) of the comparator COM1 is set to a high level Vdd lower than the divided power supply voltage. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10A, the comparator COM1 applies a signal of a corresponding level to the input terminal D of the D flip-flop DFF according to the states of the signals applied to the two input terminals (+, -). the

Therefore, since the D flip-flop DFF outputs a signal by synchronizing a signal of a corresponding level with the clock signal TCLK according to the state of the signal applied to the input terminal D, as shown in FIG. 10A , during a predetermined time based on the contact cycle, The D flip-flop DFF maintains a high level state. the

Similar to the operation of the signal converter 811, the signal converters 811' and 821' connected to each of the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N process signals from the corresponding sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N outputs sense data signals and apply signals of corresponding levels to encoders 812 and 822 .

Therefore, similar to the description with reference to FIG. 7A , the encoders 812 and 822 output the X-axis position signal and the Y-axis position signal to the signal output unit 830 through the output terminals VX1-VX8 and VY1-VY8 based on the signals applied to each input terminal. . the

Next, referring to FIG. 10B , the operation of the sensing signal processor of the exemplary embodiment in which the common voltage Vcom is a DC voltage maintaining a predetermined voltage level will be described. the

The common voltage Vcom can constantly maintain any value within the range of -1.0V to +1.0V, and the liquid crystal display is a dot inversion type. the

Since the operations of the signal converters 811' and 821' connected to each of the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N are basically similar, only the signal converters connected to the vertical sensing data line SX1 will be described. 811' operation.

When the switch SWT of the pressure sensor SU connected to the vertical sensing line _SX1 is closed due to external pressure, the sensing data signal P1 is output from the switch SWT to the resistors R1 and R2 as shown in FIG. 9 . The magnitude of the sensing data signal is almost the same as that of the common voltage Vcom, and is applied as long as an external pressure (also referred to as a contact period) is applied.

The voltage of the sensing data signal is divided into a voltage between the reference voltage Vref2 and the common voltage Vcom by the resistors R1 and R2, and then applied to the inverting terminal (−) of the comparator COM1. At this time, since the reference voltage Vref3 applied to the non-inverting terminal (+) of the comparator COM1 is greater than the magnitude of the common voltage Vcom divided by the resistors R1 and R2, the comparator COM1 outputs a high level during the contact period signal to the D flip-flop DFF (Figure 10B). Therefore, the D flip-flop DFF outputs a signal of a corresponding level to the encoder 812 by synchronizing with the clock signal CLK. the

Similar to the operation of the signal converter 811, the signal converters 811' and 821' connected to each of the sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N process signals from the corresponding sensing data lines SX ₁ -SX _M and SY ₁ -SY _N outputs sense data signals and apply signals of corresponding levels to encoders 812 and 822 .

Therefore, similar to the description with reference to FIG. 7A , the encoders 812 and 822 output signals VX1-VX8 and VY1-VY8 corresponding to the X-axis position information and the Y-axis position information to the signal output unit based on the signals applied to each input terminal. 830. the

In an alternative exemplary embodiment of a sensing signal processor such as that shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , when using a common voltage Vcom having a DC voltage of a predetermined magnitude, a voltage lower than the common voltage Vcom may be used instead of connecting the resistor Connectors R1 and R2 to ground. Exemplary embodiments of this voltage may be less than 1.0V. the

According to these exemplary embodiments of the present invention, erroneous operations and unnecessary power consumption of the sensing signal processor due to leakage current are reduced, signal processing can be performed quickly and easily, and thus the structure of the sensing signal processor Also becomes simple. the

In addition, by changing the direction of the diode D2 of the sensing signal processor to the forward direction and allowing the common voltage Vcom to maintain a DC voltage of a predetermined magnitude, dot inversion and column inversion and row inversion can be performed in the liquid crystal display. the

In each of the above-described exemplary embodiments, the magnitude of each reference voltage Vref1-Vref3 can be changed according to the magnitude of the voltage used, and the connection relationship of the input terminals (+, -) of the comparator COM1 can be adjusted, and the voltage resistor R1 and R2 can adjust their magnitude. Also, when the pressure sensor SU is operated, a high-level signal is output to the encoders 812 and 822 through the corresponding signal converters 811, 821, 811', and 821', but a low-level signal may also be output. the

Also, the liquid crystal display has been described in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but the display device is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be equally applied to display devices such as plasma display devices and organic light emitting displays. the

According to the present invention, the detection of whether the pressure sensor is being operated is performed using the voltage applied through the pressure sensor, so that erroneous operation and unnecessary power consumption due to leakage current can be reduced or effectively prevented. the

Also, since the X-axis and Y-axis position signals of the pressure sensor are generated by processing digitized signals, the structure of the sensing signal processor can be made simpler and the mounting area for mounting the sensing signal processor in a single chip can be reduced, Thus, the structure of the single chip 610 is simplified. the

Moreover, when the pressure sensors at corresponding multiple points in the same direction are simultaneously operated, the positions of the pressure sensors are determined as if the pressure sensors in the middle of the simultaneously operated pressure sensors are individually operated, so that the signal can be performed quickly and easily. Processing, and thus the structure of the sensing signal processor also becomes simple. the

Also, the signal of the sensor is processed by changing the connection direction of the diode in the signal converter according to the type of common voltage applied thereto. Therefore, a display device including a sensing signal processor according to the present invention may exhibit a desired inversion form, such as dot inversion, row inversion, or column inversion, without limiting the common voltage type. the

While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be practical example embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather the invention is intended to cover within the spirit and scope of the appended claims Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are included. the

Claims (28)

1. A display device, comprising: a first panel and a second panel; a plurality of first sensing data lines extending in a first direction on the second panel; a plurality of second sensing data lines extending in a second direction on the second panel; a plurality of first sensors connected to the first sensing data lines; a plurality of second sensors connected to the second sensing data lines; a plurality of first signal converters for comparing a first sensing data signal from each first sensing data line with a first reference voltage and outputting a first sensing output signal; a plurality of second signal converters for comparing a second sensing data signal from each second sensing data line with a first reference voltage and outputting a second sensing output signal; a first position signal output unit, configured to output a pre-positioned first position signal according to a plurality of first sensing output signals; a second position signal output unit, configured to output a pre-positioned second position signal according to a plurality of second sensing output signals; a signal output unit for sequentially outputting digital sensing signals based on the first and second position signals from the first and second position signal output units; and a contact determiner for determining contact positions of the first and second sensors based on the digital sensing signal from the signal output unit, wherein the first and second sensors are pressure sensors, wherein each of the first and second sensors includes a switch having a common electrode of the first panel as a first end and a first sensing data line or a second sensing data line as a second end, and wherein each of the first and second signal converters includes: a voltage divider for dividing the voltage of the sensing data signal, wherein the sensing data signal is one of the first sensing data signal and the second sensing data signal; a comparator for comparing the divided voltage from the voltage divider with the first reference voltage; and A D flip-flop for outputting a flip-flop output signal from the comparator, wherein the voltage level of the flip-flop output signal depends on the clock signal. 2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising diodes forwardly connected between each of the first sensing data line and the second sensing data line and the voltage divider, respectively. 3. A display device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the voltage divider of each of the first and second signal converters comprises first and second resistors connected between the diode and ground, and The comparator is an operational amplifier, wherein its non-inverting terminal is connected to the common terminal of the first and second resistors, and its inverting terminal is connected to the first reference voltage. 4. The display device of claim 1, further comprising diodes reversely connected between each of the first and second sensing data lines and the voltage divider, respectively. 5. A display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the voltage divider of each of the first and second signal converters comprises first and second resistors connected between the diode and the second reference voltage, and The comparator is an operational amplifier, wherein its inverting terminal is connected to the common terminal of the first and second resistors, and its non-inverting terminal is connected to the first reference voltage. 6. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first and second position signal output units are encoders. 7. The display device according to claim 6 , wherein when the first and second sensors respectively connected to the first and second signal converters are operated by closing the switch, the first and second signal converters output high voltage level signal. 8. The display device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and second position signal output units convert numbers output by the first and second signal converters for outputting the high voltage level signal into binary numbers, and output This binary number serves as the first and second position signals. 9. The display device according to claim 7 , wherein when there are a plurality of first signal converters and a plurality of second signal converters for outputting a high voltage level signal, the first and second position signal output The unit converts the number output by the first and second signal converters located between the plurality of first and second signal converters into a binary number, and outputs the binary number as the first and second position signals. 10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second position signal output units are to be located in a plurality of first signal converters and a plurality of second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals Numbers output by the first and second signal converters at the (q/2) or [(q/2)+1]th position are converted into binary numbers, and the binary numbers are output as the first and second position signals, wherein There are an even number of first and second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals, and (q) is the total number of the plurality of first and second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals. 11. The display device according to claim 10 , wherein when the first and second signal converters for outputting the high voltage level signal exceed a predetermined number, the first and second position signal output units reject signals from more than a predetermined number. The number of first and second sensing output signals of the first and second signal converters. 12. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contact determiner reads a digital sensing signal from the signal output unit when at least one of the first and second sensors is operated by closing the switch. 13. The display device of claim 12, wherein the signal output unit comprises an interrupt signal generator for outputting the interrupt signal to the contact determiner. 14. The display apparatus of claim 13, wherein the contact determiner reads the digital sensing signal from the signal output unit when the interrupt signal is at a high voltage level. 15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the interrupt signal generator comprises: A first OR circuit, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the first position signal output unit; a second OR circuit, the input of which is connected to the output of the second position signal output unit; and An AND circuit connected to the outputs of the first and second OR circuits. 16. A sensing signal processing apparatus for a display device including a first panel and a second panel, comprising: a plurality of first signal converters for comparing first sensing data signals from the plurality of first sensors with a first reference voltage and outputting first sensing output signals; a plurality of second signal converters for comparing second sensing data signals from the plurality of second sensors with the first reference voltage, and outputting second sensing output signals; a first position signal output unit, configured to output a pre-positioned first position signal according to a plurality of first sensing output signals; a second position signal output unit, configured to output a pre-positioned second position signal according to a plurality of second sensing output signals; and a signal output unit for outputting a digital sensing signal based on the first and second position signals from the first and second position signal output units, Wherein, the first sensor and the second sensor are pressure sensors, Wherein, each of the first and second sensors includes a switch having a common electrode of the first panel as a first end and a first sensing data line or a second sensing data line on the first panel as a second end. the second sense data line on the panel, and, Wherein, the first and second signal converters include: a voltage divider for dividing the voltage of the sensing data signal, wherein the sensing data signal is one of the first sensing data signal and the second sensing data signal; a comparator for comparing the divided voltage from the voltage divider with the first reference voltage; and A D flip-flop for outputting a flip-flop output signal from the comparator, wherein the voltage level of the flip-flop output signal depends on the clock signal. 17. The sensing signal processing apparatus of claim 16, further comprising diodes forwardly connected between each of the first sensing data line and the second sensing data line and the voltage divider, respectively. 18. The sensing signal processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the voltage divider of each of the first and second signal converters comprises first and second resistors connected between a diode and ground, and The comparator is an operational amplifier, wherein its non-inverting terminal is connected to the common terminal of the first and second resistors, and its inverting terminal is connected to the first reference voltage. 19. The sensing signal processing apparatus of claim 16, further comprising diodes reversely connected between each of the first sensing data line and the second sensing data line and the voltage divider, respectively. 20. The sensing signal processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the voltage divider of each of the first and second signal converters comprises first and second resistors connected between a diode and a second reference voltage ,and The comparator is an operational amplifier wherein its inverting terminal is connected to the common terminal of the first and second resistors and its non-inverting terminal is connected to the first reference voltage. 21. The sensing signal processing device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first and second position signal output units are encoders. 22. The sensing signal processing device according to claim 21, wherein the first and second position signal output units convert the numbers output by the first and second signal converters for outputting the high voltage level signal into binary number, and output the binary number as the first and second position signals. 23. The sensing signal processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein when there are a plurality of first signal converters and a plurality of second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals, the first and second The position signal output unit converts the number output by the first and second signal converters located between the plurality of first and second signal converters into a binary number and outputs the binary number as the first and second position signals. 24. The sensing signal processing device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first and second position signal output units are composed of a plurality of first signal converters and a plurality of second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals The numbers output by the first and second signal converters at the (q/2)th or [(q/2)+1]th position in the converter are converted into binary numbers, and the binary numbers are output as the first and second positions signal, wherein there is an even number of first and second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals, and (q) is the total number of the plurality of first and second signal converters for outputting high voltage level signals . 25. The sensing signal processing apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein when the first and second signal converters for outputting a high voltage level signal exceed a predetermined number, the first and second position signal output units exclude First and second sense output signals from more than a predetermined number of first and second signal converters. 26. The sensing signal processing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the signal output unit comprises an interrupt signal generator for outputting an interrupt signal. 27. The sensing signal processing device according to claim 26, wherein the interrupt signal generator comprises: A first OR circuit, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the first position signal output unit; a second OR circuit, the input of which is connected to the output of the second position signal output unit; and An AND circuit connected to the outputs of the first and second OR circuits. 28. The sensing signal processing device of claim 27, wherein the signal output unit sequentially outputs the digital sensing signals in synchronization with the interrupt signal.

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